Saloninus

Saloninus (Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus) (c. 242 – 260) was a Roman emperor, reigning briefly in 260. He was the son of Emperor Gallienus and Cornelia Salonina.

Born in an uncertain location, Saloninus was likely named Caesar (junior emperor) around 258, along with his older brother Valerianus II. Following the capture of his grandfather, Emperor Valerian, by the Sasanian Persians in 260, the Roman Empire was effectively divided. Gallienus continued to rule from Italy and the West, while Saloninus, under the guardianship of the praetorian prefect Silvanus, remained in Colonia Agrippina (present-day Cologne).

His position in Colonia Agrippina was intended to secure the Rhine frontier against Germanic incursions. However, a dispute arose between Saloninus and his general, Postumus, commander of the Roman legions in Gaul. The cause of the conflict is debated, but it likely involved control over spoils and the loyalty of the legions. Postumus besieged Colonia Agrippina.

Saloninus was betrayed and handed over to Postumus, who had him executed. Following Saloninus's death, Postumus declared himself emperor, establishing the Gallic Empire which lasted until 274. Saloninus's reign was thus extremely short and largely symbolic, overshadowed by the larger political and military events of the time. He never truly exercised independent power. His death contributed to the instability of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century.